Ford Flex Driveshaft Noise Problem
Some 2012 Ford Flex vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and built on or before Feb. 23, 2012, may exhibit a metallic ratcheting or flutter type noise during light to moderate tip-in at low vehicle speeds at about 21 mph. The noise may be perceived as originating from the center console area. This condition may be due to one or both of the bolts attaching the driveshaft bearing support to the front driveshaft bracket base not being fully seated.
Raise the vehicle on a lift. Inspect the two front center bearing bracket inner bolts to see if they are fully seated. If not fully seated, the bolts may be cross-threaded. Remove the two front center bearing bracket outer bolts and the two front center bearing bracket inner bolts. Discard the bolts that were not fully seated.
Using an 8mm x 1.25 thread tap, clean the female threads for the attachment bolt locations. Install the front center bearing bracket. Apply Motorcraft Threadlock 262 to the new bolts and install using only hand tools. Torque the center bearing bracket outer bolts to 22 ft-lb, and torque the inner bolts to 177 in-lb.
New inner bracket bolts are available as part numbers (P/N) W500220-S439.
If the inner bracket bolts were cross threaded, clean the female threads with an 8mm x 1.25 tap.
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Information courtesy of Mitchell 1
Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.
Mike MavrigianMike Mavrigian
Motor Age Editor
Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.